Importance of micronutrient supplementation in children with congenital heart defects in Nigeria

Abstract

The prevalence of congenital heart defects is increasing globally. Improvements in surgical techniques have resulted in increased life expectancy for individuals with heart defects. In developing countries, it is not unusual to find children with simple congenital heart defects presenting with complications (nutritional and non-nutritional) due to delay in surgical correction. Data on nutritional deficiencies in children with heart diseases are rare, more so, those on micronutrient deficiencies. Macro- and micronutrient deficiencies are common among children with un-operated congenital heart defects, especially in those on chronic diuretic therapy. It is pertinent that the need for studies on the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies and effects of micronutrient supplementation in these children be emphasized.  Therefore, the objective of this paper is to highlight the importance of micronutrient supplementation in children with un-operated congenital heart defects in Nigeria.